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Ribosomes are essential macromolecular complexes responsible for cellular protein synthesis. Due to their importance, correct ribosome structure and function is monitored by numerous quality control pathways. One of these pathways, nonfunctional ribosomal RNA decay (NRD), removes defective ribosomes in eukaryotes by degrading their essential ribosomal RNA (rRNA) components. Our lab aims to identify natural stresses that trigger NRD in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast). Since rRNAs are usually very stable, and may accumulate damage over time, aging may be one such potential stress. To study the effects of aging on NRD, total RNA was isolated from yeast cultured for various times. Agarose gel electrophoresis analysis displayed less total rRNA content in aging yeast cultures compared to younger cultures. Initial experiments suggest that this may be due to increased NRD activity in the aging yeast cultures. However, further tests using RT-qPCR are underway to quantify the effect of aging on NRD.